THE National Economic and Development Authority or NEDA has proposed transport solutions in the light of the recent Russia-Ukraine crisis which affects mainly and significantly our supply of oil for our vehicles.

It admits that our supply and prices are out of the hands of the Philippines, being a net importer of this precious commodity.

It was noted that Brent crude price has leaped towards the $100-$129 level, creating a strain on the already cash-strapped user nations and had to struggle to get the commodity.

What to do? Neda said it is necessary to think out of the box and come up with doable immediate solutions to address the growing demand for oil. One solution suggested is to fuel interest in biking, considered cheap mode of transportation and healthy for our bodies.

The problem is we do not have proper bike lanes on our major and secondary roads to ensure the safety of our bikers just like in China and Vietnam. This way, the oil companies can no longer hold us hostage to their commodity, right?

The government needs to seriously consider this shift to oil-less mode of transportation. Aside from the secured bike lanes, it should provide more police presence to maintain a close watch over the bikers and let them feel free and safe, secure from muggers, thieves and other bad elements.

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As oil becomes more expensive and unavailable to most, the mode of transportation, i.e., biking should be encouraged pronto. Now, the bike manufacturers and sellers should not exploit this shift. The government (again!) should put a cap on the prices of bicycles as the trend picks up and the greedy businessmen will surely take advantage of this.

The National Transport Policy aims to promote sustainable and inclusive mobility and thus encourage local government units and national agencies to give priority to development of proper sidewalks and network of bicycle lanes.

Looking back, during the martial law days, Ariel Ureta, a radio and television personality, was haled to jail after quipping: Sa ikauunlad ng bayan, bisikleta ang kailangan!

That proved very true today as we struggle very hard in the light of skyrocketing oil prices! Whew!